Great Britain U18’s women’s coach Cheryl Smith says her squad for next month’s World Championships in Dumfries was the hardest she’s ever chosen.
GB will play in Division 1 Group B, playing host to China, France, Poland, Netherlands and Norway when all teams converge at Dumfries Ice Bowl for the week long competition.
And Smith says her team is preparing well and insists the competition for places has been a pleasant situation for her to deal with.
“This was one of the toughest under-18 squads the coaching staff have ever had to name,” she said. “There is so much competition for places but that’s a great position to be in for the women’s programme.
“It will be a tough tournament for sure as there are some top nations competing and many of the roster are still very young.
“But we have had good preparation and I know the squad is really looking forward to playing on home ice.”
GB’s first game is on Sunday 6th January against Poland U18 Women, before facing France U18 Women the following day.
GB U18 WOMEN’S SQUAD
Lucy Beal – Slough/Bracknell
Sophie Campbell – Kirkcaldy/Fife
Grace Garbett – Telford
Megan Gourlay – Solway Sharks
Emily Harris – Bracknell
Aimee Headland – Northwood Huskies
Chloe Headland – RSL Islanders U19
(N/M) Ella Howard – Romford
Verity Lewis – Ontario Hockey Academy
Kaitlyn Morrison – Ontario Hockey Academy
(N/M) Emma Nichols – Chelmsford
Chloe Riley – Sutton/Sheffield
Amy Robery – Streatham
Elizabeth Saunders – Sutton/Sheffield
Jessica Sprules – Okanagan Hockey Academy
Kiana Tait – Kingston
Jessie Taylor – Bracknell
Ellie Wakeling – Romford/Bracknell
Hannah Ware – Sutton/Sheffield
Audrey Wood – Kirkcaldy
